Credit: Matt Stone (file)

Lester threw a 35-pitch between-starts bullpen session today at Fenway Park, and it would have gone largely unnoticed except for the fact that the Red Sox announced over the weekend that the lefty's first start after the All-Star break would be pushed back two days to Tuesday night against the Rays. And so, there was some presumption that Lester may be dealing with a nagging injury that accounted for the need for additional rest.

But after throwing in the bullpen, Lester insisted that wasn't the case.

"I feel fine," Lester said. "Like (manager) John (Farrell) said yeterday, just some midseason stuff, just get a couple extra days. We have the opportunity to do it, so sitting down and talking about it, we felt like it was a good time. Everything's fine."

Except, of course, for Lester's recent results. He's 2-6 with a 6.27 ERA in his last 11 starts after opening the season with a 6-0 record and 2.72 ERA in his first nine starts.

Surely, an injury would help explain the downturn.

Still, Lester had nothing to offer.

"Just threw a light bullpen, just getting ready for Tuesday," Lester said. "Nothing out of the ordinary, nothing crazy. Just kind of a normal day in the life of me."

Asked if he has commiserated with ace right-hander Clay Buchholz about their respective struggles, Lester continued to insist he's healthy.

"I think our situations are a little different. I don’t have an injury," Lester said. "I haven't missed any time. As far as talking to him about his (shoulder) deal, yeah, obviously we're all concerned and want him to get better. In comparison to what's going on with me, we're miles apart on that."